OCR A Level Physics A
OCR A Level Physics A Thermal Physics Exam Questions
Free OCR A Level Physics A exam questions on Thermal Physics, with mark schemes. Covers internal energy, the first law of thermodynamics and specific heat capacity.
Thermal Physics exam questions
1 question pack of real past exam questions with its mark scheme. Answer every question without notes, then mark your answers line by line against the mark scheme.
StemUp mark scheme flashcards
OCR A Level Physics A H556 Flashcards (Anki & Quizlet)
Every answer is written in mark scheme wording, so you learn exactly what examiners give marks for. Use them on Anki or Quizlet, then test yourself with the questions on this page.
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About OCR A Level Physics A Thermal Physics
This topic covers heat and work.
What you need to know
- Internal energy Sum of random kinetic and potential energies of molecules.
- First law ΔU = Q − W (sign convention per spec).
- Specific heat capacity Q = mcΔθ.
- Work done by a gas W = pΔV and area under a p-V graph.
Common mistakes in Thermal Physics
- Mixing up sign conventions.
- Saying temperature and internal energy are the same.
- Forgetting a gas at constant volume does no work.
Try three Thermal Physics exam-style questions
1. Find the energy to heat 0.50 kg of water by 20 K (c = 4200 J kg⁻¹ K⁻¹). (1 mark)
Show the mark scheme answer
42 000 J.
2. State the first law of thermodynamics. (1 mark)
Show the mark scheme answer
The increase in internal energy equals heat supplied minus work done by the system.
3. Explain why ideal gas internal energy is all kinetic. (1 mark)
Show the mark scheme answer
There are no intermolecular forces, so no potential energy.
Thermal Physics FAQs
What does Thermal Physics cover?
Internal energy, the first law and heat capacity.
Which practical links here?
Measuring specific heat capacity.
Why insulate the block?
To reduce heat losses that would give too high a value for c.
Revise this topic with flashcards: OCR A Level Physics A H556 Flashcards, with mark scheme answers for Anki and Quizlet.
